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Higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs)

Higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) status is awarded to support staff who meet the national HLTA standards.

Achieving HLTA status demonstrates to headteachers, teachers, governors and parents the nature of the contribution that the member of staff can make to pupils' learning and achievement.

What is an HLTA?
Higher level teaching assistants work closely with the teacher, complementing their role and freeing them up to have more time to develop each child to his or her potential. Find out more about HLTA status and read case studies of HLTAs.
Who can apply for HLTA status?
Anyone working in a school setting can apply to be assessed for HLTA status, as long as they can demonstrate the standards.
Maths and science HLTAs
The TDA has built capacity to enable every secondary school to recruit an HLTA specialising in mathematics or science.
School support for those pursuing HLTA status
Local authorities (LAs) will usually require evidence – eg, a signed application form – that a candidate's headteacher supports their pursuit of HLTA status. As a first step, candidates should either approach their headteacher directly, or ask their line manager to do so on their behalf.
Preparing for a candidate's HLTA assessment
All higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) candidates must undertake preparation for assessment. It ensures that they understand the professional standards, the evidence they need to submit, and how the assessment process works.
Deploying HLTAs effectively
Research and guidance to help you deploy HLTAs.
Professional standards for HLTA status
The professional standards for higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs) set out exactly what is expected of teaching assistants who are working towards HLTA status.
LA and RPA contacts
Local authorities (LAs) can provide information on the higher level teaching assistant (HLTA) programme, for those working in state-maintained schools. Candidates that are not funded by an LA should contact their regional provider of assessment (RPA) directly for information.

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